WZ Discovery & Learning Officer (Full-Time / 11 Months Fixed-Term Contract)

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a leading international conservation, science and education charity. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL is looking for a Discovery & Learning Officer to join our Discovery and Learning team. The Discovery & Learning Officer (D&LO) will join the team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and play a key role in delivering ZSL’s learning strategy.  In doing so, they will help achieve the Society’s mission to raise awareness and inform visitors and other audiences about animals, their habitats and associated conservation issues. The D&LO will achieve this through the development and delivery of a range of learning programmes and events, for a variety of audiences, the principal ones being schools.  There could be additional project work which will link into all aspects of the D&L strategy including facilitating the schools experience in the Zoo including entry into the Zoo, carrying out evaluation and visitor studies, and actively contributing to the Social Dimensions of ZSL conservation projects, which link to ZSL Conservation Programmes.

• Assist with development, delivery and evaluation of a wide range of innovative programmes within the Discovery and Learning (D&L) department
• Assist with the welcoming and entry of school groups into the Zoo
• Support the D&L team to identify new projects working with external parties on all aspects of the D&L strategy
• Under the guidance of the Learning Manager, foster positive relationships with schools and community groups in relation to D&L programmes
• Collaboratively work on projects with D&L colleagues at both sites, with colleagues in other ZSL departments and other BIAZA/EAZA collections
• Support the ZSL Evaluation Coordinator in the collection of research data connected to D&L programmes
• Work to improve all aspects of the zoo visit experience for schools and other educational groups
• Assist the Learning Manager to ensure all activities are within the parameters of the delegated Discovery & Learning budgets
• Attend and actively contribute to internal and external meetings and conferences as required
• Undertake such other duties as may be required by the Learning Manager, Senior Learning Manager and the Head of Discovery and Learning

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following criteria:

• Honours degree level in biological/environmental science or social science
• PGCE or equivalent teaching experience 
• Extensive experience working with children of a variety of ages and abilities
• Proven experience delivering learning programmes in either a formal or informal environment
• Recognised excellence in presenting public talks/shows/events to a range of different audiences
• Experience of delivering practical programmes in an outdoor environment
• Demonstrable knowledge of working in a zoo or animal related environment
• Acknowledged excellence in communicating conservation and environmental messages to a wide range of audiences
• Experience of conducting conservation field work (either biological or social research)
• Knowledgeable of the work of ZSL, BIAZA, EAZA and the wider zoo community
• Recognised experience in learning new skills and information within a strict time limit e.g. performance skills, handling different animals, working with different work departments
• Documented ability in producing creative, innovative and dynamic ideas and outputs for a range of different scenarios and projects.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills). Click the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight 1st January 2018

Anticipated date for interviews:  Tuesday 9th January 2018 at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.